Has anyone shot with this lens or have an opinion on it. From what I can tell the 24-70 replaced it right? Seems like it was sharp and quick focusing. If the price was right would you consider it? I saw everyone said it was a beast of a lens, but I don't think that would bother me.

The AF-S 28-70mm F2.8D replaced the 35-70mm F2.8D, and came before the 24-70mm as you supposed. It is bigger and heavier than the current 24-70mm, but not by a lot. Sharpness wise it is fine from the reviews I've read.

Hefty as it is, I would buy another for between $500-$1100. Mine is quick and sharp and reliable. It is built like a tank and has around 1/3 more girth than either the lenses it replaced 35-70mm f2.8 and the current 24-70mm f2.8...

I just got one and it should be here tomorrow. Doing research, some of the units suffer from a noisy AF motor. If this is an indication it might be going bad I am not sure. Some seem to think so. I paid $920USD for the one I got. Ones with a noisy motor or more wear start about $500-600USD. I have seen some dreamers asking $1300.00 for some units.

What is with the grey color of some of the lenses? I saw a few of the 28-70 f2.8 that were this color. sorry for the hijack. :-)

The 28-70mm was release around the same time as the 17-35mm f2.8. It was one of the early AF-S lenses (released in 1999), back when there were no "G" lenses. Like all AF-D lenses the aperture ring must be locked at max aperture.

It is an ok lens and a pretty good one depending on the price you can get it for. I had one while I was in college and loved using it in the studio. My only problem with the lens was it wasn't as sharp as I would have liked. I now have the 24-70 which is much sharper and makes for a nice image. I would think if you were looking in that $850-1100 price range to get a lens, you couldn't do better. It was very nice for the price, I paid $850 for mine when I had it. I did like that it was shorter then the 24-70 is, I didn't mind how fat it was. Other then that they work mostly the same. AF was just about as fast, not as silent, but its not loud.

Its a wonderful lens and super sharp. Its massive though especially with the hood attached and the motor can be loud as well. Be careful if you pick up a used one because these lenses have been used by pros and samples out there can be quite banged up. I almost got one because I wanted a mid range zoom after being disappointed with the 28-300mm VR, but decided that because this is most useful focal range for me and I would be using the lens the most, I decided to splurge and get the newer 24-70mm.

Got mine yesterday. Mint as the seller said. Could only take some pics inside as it was 16F this morning and I was busy shoveling snow. Anyway the pics I took were absolutely awesome. Very clear. Focus was fast (under .5 seconds most of the time). I only have DX now (D7000) as I am waiting on my pre-ordered D4.

The store I found it at had it back from a customer repair, and she no longer wanted it because of the weight. They sent it in to Nikon, they gutted and re-built it (new AF motor, circuit boards, etc) so it is for all I can tell a brand new lens. Not a flaw on it and easily the cleanest glass I've ever seen. (not a speck of dust inside)

The few shots I took today are nothing less then stunning. On par with the 24-70mm easily.

Hey look at me using the search function and posting in the right thread!

The store I found it at had it back from a customer repair, and she no longer wanted it because of the weight. They sent it in to Nikon, they gutted and re-built it (new AF motor, circuit boards, etc) so it is for all I can tell a brand new lens. Not a flaw on it and easily the cleanest glass I've ever seen. (not a speck of dust inside)

The few shots I took today are nothing less then stunning. On par with the 24-70mm easily.

Hey look at me using the search function and posting in the right thread!

R8R- Glad you like it. Did i miss something or did you forget something. You must be very happy. What is it?

Nice R&R. Now that I look back I might have gotten this lens over my 17-55 if they only release an FX replacement soon. I love my 17-55, but not sure what I will do with it if the new bodies are just FX.